The writer was invited by Samoa’s National Human Rights Institution and U.N. Women as the Moderator for a session on the topic “Engaging with Religion and Faith-Based Actors to Address Family Violence” at the Ending Violence in Samoa (EViS) roundtable.
The Panelists included Dr. Mercy Ah Siu-Maliko, Maiava Iulai Toma, Judge Talasa Lumepa Saaga, Afamasaga Faauiga Mulitalo-Afamasaga and Deacon Dr. Kasiano Leaupepe. This is what Mata’afa said:

Dear Editor,
I read the recent articles about the Samoa Business Network mission to Samoa supported by the Government of Samoa.
I managed to get along to the business day and hear from the speaker and companies from NZ, Australia and American Samoa.

“ Manu Samoa recently suffered another loss in their Northern Hemisphere Tour, this time at the hands of Georgia. A week earlier Samoa’s national rugby team lost to America. The two losses have triggered public debate. Our reporter Soli Wilson recently went out and got the views of the public, on what the Manu Samoa Coach should do, to get the team back to winning their games.

Think a minute...Watching the Olympics can be both inspiring and heartbreaking. It’s easy to get caught up with “the thrill of victory” as well as “the agony of defeat.” This is especially true when the world’s greatest athletes, who have worked so hard their entire lives, lose by only a fraction of a second!

I want to share a reflection on suicide by quoting from a speech I made in 2002 because it is relevant and topical. Rituals also express meaning, nuance and metaphor. During (former) Prime Minister’s Helen Clark’s wreathe presentation at Tamasese’s grave, 4 June 2002, Lufi Falefa and Salani could have chanted the funeral chants, the birth chants, the war chants, the victory chants.

P.M. on Church leaders
It seems Prime Minister Tuilaepa can’t leave members of clergy alone.
During a radio programme last week, he had plenty to say about Church Ministers. For instance, he reminded them that Church Ministers were only taught on spiritual matters, not on Economics.

The spears flew towards the youth on the hill, whistling as they cut through the air. Grinning, Queen Medb’s general drew his sword, eager to take back to his Queen the head of this warrior whom they called the Hound of Ulster. He had no doubt his spears would find their mark.